Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBE SCIENTIFIC, LLC

Download Mobile App





Thromboelastometry Predicts Thromboembolic Events in COVID-19 Patients

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 05 Jul 2022

In addition to severe pulmonary and renal injury, abnormality of hemostasis is recognized as a contributing factor to the severity of the COVID-19. More...

Thromboembolic complications were diagnosed in 31% of patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to an intensive care unit, despite anticoagulation therapy.

Assessment of hemostasis with traditional plasma coagulation tests (e.g., prothrombin time, activated thromboplastin time) is often not helpful because they evaluate only the initial phase of clot formation and frequently do not demonstrate significant abnormality. Viscoelastic tests (e.g., thromboelastography (TEG), rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), or ClotPro) were developed to assess in real time all stages (dynamic) of clot formation and fibrinolysis using whole blood samples.

Clinical Scientists at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) and their colleagues carried out a prospective cohort study that included 25 patients and inclusion criteria were a positive PCR COVID-19 test result and respiratory insufficiency requiring supplemental oxygen. The primary outcome was defined as an unfavorable course of the disease if a patient: (1) developed a thromboembolic event while receiving anticoagulation prophylaxis, (2) had prolonged ICU stay, or (3) died.

Rotational thromboelastometry was performed by trained personnel using a ROTEM delta device (TEM Innovations GmbH, Bedford, MA, USA). The following ROTEM tests were performed: (1) EXTEM assay consisting of recombinant tissue factor and Polybrene (heparin inhibitor) added to re-calcified whole blood to activate the extrinsic pathway and initiate coagulation, (2) In the FIBTEM assay, the contribution of platelets to clot formation is eliminated allowing to assess fibrinogen contribution (functional fibrinogen) to hemostasis. It is performed by an addition of recombinant tissue factor, polybrene and platelet inhibitor cytochalasin D added to the whole blood sample to activate the extrinsic pathway while suppressing platelets.

The investigators reported that there were 16 patients with an unfavorable course of the disease. Compared to the nine patients in the favorable course group, patients with an unfavorable course had a lower platelet count, median difference of 154 × 109/L (95% CI, 26 to 223 × 109/L), and lower clot firmness parameters in EXTEM assay: amplitude at 20 minutes (A20), median difference of 7, maximum clot firmness (MCF), median difference of 6 and area under the curve (AUC) with a median difference of 671. They also demonstrated suppression of fibrinolysis: higher lysis index 60, median difference of − 3. Results of functional fibrinogen (FIBTEM) assay were similar between the groups.

The authors concluded that the platelet count and the results of EXTEM assay, but not FIBTEM assay, were associated with the difference in clinical outcome among patients with COVID-19 infection and hypoxemia. The study was published on June 28, 2022 in the Journal of Blood Medicine.

Related Links:
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 
TEM Innovations GmbH


Gold Member
SARS-CoV-2 Reactive & Non-Reactive Controls
Qnostics SARS-CoV-2 Typing
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Varicella Zoster Virus Assay
LIAISON VZV Assay Panel (IgG HT, IgM)
New
Host Response Immunoassay Test
MeMed BV
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.